Letter to the editor: A sincere 'thank you'

I think gratitude sums up how we feel about the benefit that was held Jan. 28 at Mulligan's for my dad and me. For some reason it doesn't seem as though we can even try to sum up how we feel with words, and "thank you" just doesn't seem like it's enough.

I wish there was a word (or words) that would work better than "thank you" to show how we truly do feel. I've done some research and gratitude seems to have come close, but it still doesn't seem to be enough.

We are so thankful for everyone who donated their time and energy in putting together such a great benefit, from relatives and friends to the staff at Mulligan's. The night wouldn't have gone as smoothly as it had without each and every one of you.

If you helped, please know that your participation in the event played more than just a role, it showed your love and willingness to help us when we needed it most.

To everyone who donated items, we're indebted to you, as well. There were so many amazing items that were donated, that it took our breath away -- from the trips, sporting event tickets, hunting/ fishing items, guns and Moondance tickets to cheese baskets and everything in between. Your donations made it possible to turn Mulligan's into a shopping mall.

Please know that my dad and I did get the chance to go around and view those wonderful items, with tears running down our faces, knowing that such a great community could pull together to help our family out. We were overwhelmed with love at just the items that were donated.

We had everything we needed to have a great benefit with all the items and services that were donated; we just needed for the community to show up. That they did. We had an amazing turnout, and we saw people that we hadn't seen in years!

We were flabbergasted at the amount of people we got to see. It was some of the best medicine the doctor could have ever ordered. It sent chills and tingles up our spines, with a voice in both our heads saying, "You are loved."

So we say "thank you" for your presence, which printed on our souls and gave us that extra boost of energy to continue on with our journey, knowing that a better part of the whole community is rallying for us.

We have such gratitude to say that the night was perfect. I'm not even sure that my dad, our families or I could have wished for anything better. The food was great and around 750 people were served. The people who attended were just as wonderful as the food and donated items.

So from the bottom of our hearts, I say "thank you" with much gratitude on behalf of my dad, our families and myself for your support, whatever it may have been -- from the donations and financial contributions to just showing up, you have made a difference.

The night of the benefit will forever play in our heads as we both continue on our medical journeys to fight cancer as the father/daughter tag team. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers, and please continue to keep us in them with hopes of a healthy life on the horizon.